Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

“Carmilla” by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a gothic novella written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Laura, a lonely young woman living in a secluded schloss in Styria, who encounters a mysterious and enchanting guest named Carmilla. As the narrative unfolds, the bond between Laura and Carmilla deepens, leading to an exploration of themes such as identity, desire, and the supernatural. The opening of “Carmilla” introduces the reader to Laura and the desolate yet picturesque setting of her family’s castle. Laura recounts a haunting childhood experience involving a mysterious lady who visited her in her nursery and evokes both fear and fascination. The narrative quickly transitions to her father’s arrival, revealing the news of the tragic death of a young woman, which foreshadows the supernatural events to come. Soon after, a carriage accident leads to Carmilla’s arrival as a guest, and Laura is immediately drawn to her, albeit with an undercurrent of foreboding. The stage is set for the powerful and strange relationship that will develop between them, characterized by dreams and an intertwining fate that will challenge Laura’s understanding of herself and the world around her.